I was born in New York City, daughter of an advertising artist. We lived in Harlem. I began painting as a protest against not having my own paint so mom bought me some paint.

I sold my first painting when I was seven. That was during the deep depression. I was so glad to sell my painting and contribute to the family coffers.

When I got older I became a librarian at the Art Students League on 57th Street and then became a mural painter at local restaurants and bars.

Because of the influence of the Art Students League I took up the study of color and the chemistry of the paint I used which subsequently became my life's work. Re. Materials of the artist by Max Doerner.

Here I am, on the verge of 91 and still thinking about the qualities of paint and painting.

I have supported myself not only exhibiting and selling my work but also teaching my own special theory "The Three Palette System" toward a more lasting painting. I paint in both watercolor and oil some of my current work is displayed on this web presentation.

There are three palettes comprised of the organics (1st palette), sulfurs (2nd palette) and acids (third palette).

The first palette of organic paints is the foundation, which is shown in the image above. The second palette is the sulfurs which are the brights. The third palette is the transparencies. I apply each palette separately allowing the previous one to dry before applying the next palette. The third and final palette of transparencies, which are acids, allows previous colors to show through and express the final detail.

For more details about my method of painting send for my book. Call the above phone number and I will send it to you.

"Earth Light"

Also available is my bibliograpy. "Helvi"